Your Claravis Prescription Can't Be Filled — Now What?

You've gone through the iPLEDGE paperwork, the blood tests, and the waiting. Your dermatologist prescribed Claravis for your severe acne, and you're ready to start treatment. But the pharmacy says they don't have it — and they're not sure when they will.

If this sounds like your situation, don't panic. Claravis is just one of several brands of Isotretinoin, and there are real alternatives that contain the exact same active ingredient. In this guide, we'll walk through what Claravis is, how it works, and which alternatives might be available when Claravis isn't.

What Is Claravis?

Claravis is a brand-name version of Isotretinoin, a powerful retinoid medication used to treat severe recalcitrant nodular acne — the kind that doesn't get better with antibiotics, topical treatments, or other conventional therapies.

It's manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals and comes in oral capsules (10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg strengths). The original Isotretinoin brand, Accutane, was discontinued in 2009, but several generic versions — including Claravis — have been available since then.

For a deeper dive into how the medication works in your body, check out our article on how Claravis works.

How Does Isotretinoin Work?

Isotretinoin is a derivative of Vitamin A that targets acne at its source. Here's what it does:

• Shrinks oil glands: It reduces the size of your sebaceous (oil) glands by up to 90%, dramatically cutting oil production
• Reduces bacteria: Less oil means fewer Cutibacterium acnes bacteria, which thrive in oily, clogged pores
• Normalizes skin cell turnover: It prevents dead skin cells from clogging your pores (a process called keratinization)
• Reduces inflammation: It has direct anti-inflammatory effects that help calm red, swollen acne lesions

A typical course of Isotretinoin lasts 15 to 20 weeks at a dose of 0.5–1 mg/kg/day. The goal is to reach a cumulative dose of 120–150 mg/kg over the full course. For more details, see our guide on Claravis uses and dosage.

Isotretinoin Brand Alternatives to Claravis

All of the alternatives below contain the same active ingredient — Isotretinoin — and are used for the same purpose. They all require iPLEDGE registration and have the same safety requirements. The main differences are manufacturer, formulation, pricing, and availability.

1. Amnesteem

Manufacturer: Mylan (now Viatris)
Available strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg capsules
Key details: Amnesteem is one of the most widely available generic Isotretinoin brands. It has the same formulation requirements as Claravis — take with a fatty meal for best absorption. Pricing is comparable to Claravis, typically $150–$400/month depending on dose and pharmacy.

If your pharmacy is out of Claravis, Amnesteem is often the most straightforward swap because it's widely stocked and similarly priced.

2. Myorisan

Manufacturer: Amneal Pharmaceuticals (formerly Versapharm)
Available strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg capsules
Key details: Myorisan is another generic Isotretinoin that works identically to Claravis. It may be available at pharmacies where Claravis is not, since it comes from a different manufacturer and supply chain. Cash pricing is similar to other generics.

3. Zenatane

Manufacturer: Zydus Pharmaceuticals
Available strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg capsules
Key details: Zenatane is a newer generic option that has gained availability in recent years. Like Claravis and other generics, it must be taken with food containing fat. Pricing is competitive with other generics at $150–$400/month without insurance.

4. Absorica and Absorica LD

Manufacturer: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries
Available strengths: Absorica: 10 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, 40 mg; Absorica LD: 32 mg
Key details: Absorica is the brand-name standout because it uses a lipid-based formulation that allows it to be taken with or without food — unlike all the generic versions that require a fatty meal. This can be a real advantage for patients who struggle with timing meals around their medication.

Absorica LD is a lower-dose formulation with enhanced bioavailability, meaning you can take less of the drug and still achieve similar blood levels. This may reduce some dose-related side effects.

The downside? Cost. Absorica can run $800–$1,500/month without insurance. However, Sun Pharma offers a manufacturer savings card that can reduce costs to as low as $10/month for eligible commercially insured patients. If cost is a concern, check out our guide to saving money on Claravis and Isotretinoin.

How to Switch to an Alternative

Switching between Isotretinoin brands is usually straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Talk to your dermatologist: They'll need to write a new prescription or authorize the pharmacist to substitute a different brand
2. iPLEDGE still applies: All Isotretinoin brands go through the same iPLEDGE system, so your registration carries over
3. Check your insurance: Some insurance plans may have different copays or coverage tiers for different brands. Generic versions (Claravis, Amnesteem, Myorisan, Zenatane) are usually covered similarly, but brand Absorica may require prior authorization
4. Confirm availability: Before switching, verify that the alternative is actually in stock. Use Medfinder to check pharmacies near you

What About Non-Isotretinoin Alternatives?

If you're unable to take Isotretinoin at all (due to side effects, contraindications, or personal preference), there are other acne treatments your dermatologist may consider. However, these are generally less effective for severe nodular acne:

• Oral antibiotics (Doxycycline, Minocycline) — reduce bacteria and inflammation but don't address oil production
• Hormonal therapy (Spironolactone, oral contraceptives) — helpful for hormonal acne in females
• Topical retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene) — normalize skin cell turnover but less powerful than oral Isotretinoin

These options are worth discussing with your dermatologist if Isotretinoin isn't right for you, but for severe nodular acne, Isotretinoin remains the gold standard.

Final Thoughts

If you can't find Claravis, the good news is that you have several excellent alternatives — all containing the same active ingredient and all proven to work. The key is to act quickly, especially if you're already mid-treatment, to avoid gaps that could affect your results.

Use Medfinder to search for all Isotretinoin brands near you, talk to your dermatologist about switching, and don't let a supply hiccup derail your treatment. For more tips, read our guide on how to find Claravis in stock near you.